As a city, Sydney finds it easy to wrap itself in a cocoon of its own silky spin. The city's giant Babel-like skyline provides a façade for false security.

Many locals seem to think the worst of the downturn is over.

But that's not what the experts say. The bi-annual comprehensive survey of economists, published in today's Age, appears to predict a very bleak year ahead indeed. 

In fact, Professor Stephen Keen from the University of Western Sydney believes unemployment will hit 12 percent.

Move beyond the gleaming metropolis and, for a significant minority of Australian families, the downturn means more of the same, only worse.

Productivity Commission Report

Some Australian communities were excluded from the benefits of the boom. Others have been living in 'third world' poverty for generations.

This week the Productivity Commission released its findings on the social health of the Aboriginal communities. 

The findings are appalling, showing that nearly all the major indicators are going nowhere. 

Rates of imprisonment have increased, while reported cases of neglect and child abuse have doubled.

Similarly in the June edition of Southern Cross, I made an attempt to expose the very real crisis of need in southern Wollongong - part of our very own Diocese.

(You can click on our PDF reader to view the entire 4-page feature)

Poverty in parts of this region has been entrenched for decades but further exacerbated by the latest steel export drought.

Local churches

It was Jesus who said "The poor will always be with you". (Interestingly echoing the words of the command in Deuteronomy 15:11 which concludes with the instruction to always be "open-handed to the poor and needy in your land".)

Indeed, anyone who has spent much time hanging around an on-site rectory or manse will be long familiar with this story:

It's 2am, and you're awoken by someone banging frantically at the rectory door. When you open up and peer outside, you are confronted with someone who is obviously distressed and looking for assistance. Their behaviour is a little erratic.

What do you do?

This was just one of the questions addressed at a workshop for clergy and parish representatives from all over the South Sydney region run by Anglicare this week.

‘When people need help' is the first of five regional workshops to be held over July and August to help churches deal with the front-line impact of the growing economic crisis.

The half-day short course gives the guidance clergy or parishioners need to assist people effectively who come knocking for help.

Agnes Wilson was at this week's workshop and reports:

The first half of the workshop looked at the various issues that people might present with from poverty and homelessness, to addiction and mental health issues as well as analysing some of the attitudes we might bring to such an encounter.

"Anglicare is not able to set up Emergency Relief professional satellite services in all parishes", says Jenni Sawyer, from Anglicare's Parish Partnerships team. "But we can help parishes to connect with people by offering care and support in simple and practical ways.

"Through giving them a meal or referring them for more specialised help can be a way for parishes to have meaningful and significant contact with people in the name of Christ".

The course also includes advice on assessing complex needs and developing an emergency relief action plan.

Cath Clarke, from St Matthews on the Corso in Manly, got in early and attended the South Sydney workshop. She says the interactive section on attitudes was helpful and challenging.

"It's good to try and understand what people are going through from their perspective. We can't be more aware unless we are challenged. And in the end it's really about being more like Jesus".

Workshops for the Northern, Western, Georges River and Wollongong regions will be held over the next two months.